It all started with a leisurely departure from Ford Street – no hullabaloo, a steady roll out to Tullamarine with plenty of time in hand to check in and the enjoy a Prosecco (or two). Despite AW being a little flu droopy and snuffly there was some certainty that a Prosecco would fritz things right.

Oh, a momentary scare when the automatic check in booths refused to check JM in… her passport was (by two days) within the 6 month expiry window that allows Ostraylians into Indonesia visa-free; there was a question concerning AW’s intentions should there be a problem…would AW travel to Indonesia without his beloved JM? Of course not…🤔

Ah, but the friendly, human, check-in assistant processed JM’s passport and it was a great clear run through to the tantalising Prosecco (or two).While the Prosecco ended up being somewhat elusive, a Spanish substitute (or two) was located and guzzled with gusto.Fast forward through the pleasantly uneventful flight to Singapore (via some ridiculously bejewelled Changi airport features) and onto the similarly uneventful flight to Manado, and, well, we’re in Manado.